Discovering Weather (Firsthand!)

Yesterday was a really rainy day. Actually, we very much needed the water, as the cool, crisp dry air we enjoyed all last week had dried out the flower beds. Up on the summit of Mount Washington a cold front rolled through bringing impressively low temps of 33 degrees on Friday. Hard to imagine, given the sweltering heat we’d been experiencing down here days prior. Mount Washington continues to impress everyone this week with awesome thunderstorms, warmer temps and a thick, gray fog. Observer and meteorologist Stacey Kawecki explains that a high pressure system centered to our southeast is responsible for the warm, moist air which combines with daytime heating to create the signature summer thunderstorms. We had a doozey here; it knocked out the Direct TV temporarily.

I always look up the Summit Conditions and the extended Mount Washington Valley forecast each morning, to help our guests to plan their activities for the day. Yesterday we suggested many indoor things to check out, such as the Mount Washington Observatory Museum, called the Weather discovery Center. Personally, I love weather, and think that this museum is a superb place to spend part of a day for any age group, toddler to senior citizen. I’ve written about it before. I’ve been many times, and just love the opportunity to go back time and again. (I also love the meteorological gift shop). The Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center is an interactive science museum that brings the wonder of the atmosphere right to your fingertips! Explore the science of climate and weather through fun, interactive exhibits like our air cannon, flow tank and wind room. Plus, meet and interact with the hardy observers living and working at the summit weather station through a twice daily live video link.

And now, for the 3rd year in a row, the Discovery Center is offering a program called “Science in the Mountains: A Passport to Science”, a virtual lecture series. Through videoconferencing technology, you can journey to exciting science centers around the world to learn about endangered species, the Grand Canyon, dinosaurs and more.This free series is held at the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center in North Conway on six successive Wednesdays in July and August. All programs begin at 7pm, (though you should arrive early to claim your seat).

The next program is on August 11 – from International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota where you can explore the world of the wolf! Using the wolf as a fascinating case study, they will examine the important roles that predators, prey and scavengers play in the ecosystems where wolves live. Best of all--meet the International Wolf Center's ambassador wolves!

Then on August 18 – ‘visit’ the Grand Canyon National Park at Grand Canyon, Arizona. Visit one of America's first national parks and certainly one of its most popular. Park rangers will share their knowledge of the Grand Canyon's ecosystems, as well as discuss some of the environmental issues confronting the park today. A visit to the Grand Canyon is definitely on my “To Do” list someday, but until then, I think I’m going to put this on my calendar.